Loss of power when pulling a load

GAPPERLO

MEMBER
CHEVROLET SILVERADO

I have a 94, 1500, 5.7 with 230,000km. Two years ago I could hardly pull my 5th wheel travel trailer up a hill without the motor making strange noises. Local mechanic changed torque converter and replaced the oil pump with a larger one. Ran okay for the rest of the summer. I parked it for the winter. Next summer seemed to be fine till I hooked up the trailer. Then it seemed to be without power. Mechanics on the road changed fuel filter, the catalyitic converter, muffler; when problem still persisted, another shop changed the spark plugs, wiring, distributor cap; when probelm still got worse, a GM shop diagnosed it as a timing issue and readjusted the timing. Then it worked fine for the summer. Parked it again for winter, but this spring it had the same problem - no power pulling a load uphill - flat out it could only go 20 kmh. Engine revs up, right up to redline in the lower gears, but no speed.

1 Reply

SARGENTWOODY

MEMBER
20 POSTS

If it worked after they adjusted the timing, do you know for a fact that they tightened the distributor bolt down tight? I mean, usually if you are adjusting it, it still shouldn't make a big difference even when driving because you shouldn't have to get it THAT loose. I'd have the timing checked again to make sure its still in the same spot.
Other than that, i've got no other ideas for you.

Good luck.

P.S. Suppose I should have scrolled further down to see "reply". So you have some feedback I suppose. Haha